Zimbabwe “has moved on”, Mnangagwa replies Mugabe

The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa has responded to criticisms from his predecessor Robert Mugabe who has questioned his legitimacy.

The former Zimbabwean president on Thursday granted media interview in which he said that he still considers his exit from power a “coup d’etat” that “we must undo”.

Mugabe also said that although he doesn’t hate President Emmerson Mnangagwa his successor “betrayed the whole nation” as he described his presidency as “illegal” and “unconstitutional”.

“I say it was a coup d’etat – some people have refused to call it a coup d’etat,” Mugabe said stressing that Zimbabwe “must undo this disgrace which we have imposed on ourselves, we don’t deserve it… Zimbabwe doesn’t deserve it.”

“People must be chosen in government in a proper way. I’m willing to discuss, willing to assist in that process – but I must be invited,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

But in a statement from his office, President Mnangagwa said “he has noted recent remarks made to the media by” Robert Mugabe, adding that “the nation has moved on. Our focus at this time shall remain on preparing for free, fair and credible elections in 2018”.

Isaac Kaledzi is an experienced and award winning journalist from Ghana. He has worked for several media brands both in Ghana and on the International scene. Isaac Kaledzi is currently serving as an African Correspondent for DW.